Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 5 Sneaker – Review

Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 5 Sneaker – Product characteristics

  • Mesh
  • Made in USA or Imported
  • Rubber sole
  • Mesh and TPU upper
  • 100% recycled laces
  • Stretch collar for easy on and off
  • 40% recycled mesh lining
  • EVA foam insole with 100% recycled top sheet
Sale
Merrell womens Vapor Glove 5 Sneaker, Monument, 8.5 US*
  • Mesh and TPU upper
  • 100% recycled laces
  • Stretch collar for easy on and off

Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 5 Sneaker – Reviews

Fit is different from earlier Vapor Gloves

I have a pair of Vapor Glove 3 shoes, which I love. They’re getting old so I thought I’d get a new pair. The things I love about the Vapor Glove 3 are: 1. They are made of a knit fabric that is very sock-like and comfortable. The shoe hugs your foot like a glove and conforms to your foot’s natural shape. 2. The toe box is nice and wide, and allows me toes to be in their regular, un-shoed position so they’re very comfortable and natural feeling.I found that the Vapor Glove 5 is made of a stiffer fabric that does not hug my foot at all. The toe box of the Vapor Glove 5 is much narrower than the toe box of my beloved Vapor Glove 3 – so much so that the shoe looks rectangular. The Vapor Glove 5 came stuffed with an enormous amount of paper and a small cardboard tube that are far too large for the size shoe I ordered (women’s size 6.5). The stuffing seemed to distort the shoe’s shape, which might have contributed to my feeling that the heel of the shoe was too large.Overall, a major disappointment. I’m returning them.

Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2021

This is a minimalist shoe

I have been wearing my Merrell Vapor Glove 5 since I received them. They were unlike my last pair of Merrell minimalists in that these are very minimalist. If you have worn or seen the Vibram 5-finger toe shoes, these shoes equate with those, minus the toes.I read other reviews that they are stiff, and yes, they are somewhat stiff. I feel like there is a breaking-in period, though. The true judge of any shoe for me is whether I have hip or knee pain after wearing them. NO, I do not have any pain after wearing them to the gym or out running.I would prefer a roomier toe box, but that definitely isn’t a deal-breaker. The only question left is how long I can wear them before the comfort is gone and I must replace them. My last pair of Merrell’s had a great shelf-life; so, I’m hoping these have a similar one.One last note, mine fit me fine, but if I worked a thicker sock, the fit would be tight.

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2022

Beware, they run super small

I bought these shoes in an 8, and they were super tight—as in, too short for my foot. I have worn an 8 / 39 UK for years, and this model fit like a tight 7. I bought a pair in a 9.5, and that’s the right size for me. It’s not about width, it’s about length. Also, these shoes give you zero support, probably by design; so if you have flat feet or are prone to heel pain, definitely size up so you can fit your orthotic insert into the shoe. I wear them to ride my elliptical and lift weights in my home gym. They’re super lightweight and my legs don’t get as tired during a long workout.

Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2021

Runs small!!

The shoes are too short, my big toe jams into the front of the shoe. It was especially disappointing because I was desperate for new shoes and these were perfect in every other way. Super lightweight and flexible, and the laces are nice and stretchy, which is something I didn’t even know I wanted.

Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2021

Tongue is sewn to side of shoe at ankle area

Since I must have thick ankles, the tongue being sewn to the sides of the shoe makes them too tight around my ankle. They remind me of water shoes in construction.

Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2022

LOVE LOVE LOVE my Merrill Vapor Gloves!

LOVE LOVE LOVE my Merrill Vapor Glove 5s! I bought them to use while weight lifting because they are flat without any rise in the soles, but I pretty much live in them now. They are as close to barefoot as you can get. One downside I have noticed is that they don’t prevent you from feeling stones underfoot, however, I have yet to get a stone bruise while wearing them.

Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2021

Great fit, great look!

They look and feel great!! I ran the Chicago 5K this weekend and my feet feel fabulous!

Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2021

True barefoot shoes!!

I was trying to replace my 6+ year old barefoot Merrell shoes that I use for weight lifting. These fit the bill! I wear an 8 so ordered an 8.5 & a 9. The 8.5 fits but my toe touches the end so I kept the 9. Hopefully these last as long as my last pair.

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022
Sale
Merrell womens Vapor Glove 5 Sneaker, Monument, 8.5 US*
  • Mesh and TPU upper
  • 100% recycled laces
  • Stretch collar for easy on and off

Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 5 Sneaker – FAQ

Is there a difference in sizing for men?

I have bought 5 pairs of men’s shoes and they are true to size. My wife has 2 pairs and they ran true to size as well.

Are these slip on or do the have to be laced?

They are laced

Do these run small, large, or true to size. I currently use vibram 5 fingers, but looking for another barefoot minimalist shoe

I think they run true to size but the toe box is slightly more narrow than other barefoot shoes I’ve tried. I still find them comfortable and would recommend them but that’s something to keep in mind.

Do these have any arch support?

No arch supports.

Sale
Merrell womens Vapor Glove 5 Sneaker, Monument, 8.5 US*
  • Mesh and TPU upper
  • 100% recycled laces
  • Stretch collar for easy on and off

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